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Xfinity vs Fios

Discussion in 'Homeowners Corner' started by TigerFan, Jun 9, 2011.

  1. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    So Comcast is now laying their fiber optic for xfinity. Technician came by to tell me the trucks would be on our street next week, turns out he's also a salesman. We have Fios, but if he's telling the truth, Xfinity is cheaper for more services. Anybody have history with Xfinity fiber service? I'm not unhappy with Fios, except for the small DVR capacity, just wondering if its worth it to switch for a cheaper bill?
     
    TigerFan, Jun 9, 2011
    #1
  2. JLC

    JLC Member

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    Does this mean they're going to be cutting through the yards (and in my case the sprinkler system, water main, and driveway) like Fios did?
     
    JLC, Jun 9, 2011
    #2
  3. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    Here is the main "technical" difference between FiOS & Xfinity.

    FiOS - runs complete fiber to your home, it has a GPON interface with your connection their 100% single mode network. So all of your Voice, Video & Internet is 100% fiber.

    Comcast - runs a combo of fiber & Coax to your home. That is Comcast/xFinity fiber network does not go all the way to your house. The "last mile" is mainly Coax & Copper.

    Both providers are excellent but both have their challenges. The major difference is the fiber network and last mile (the connection to your house to their "network").

    I have a technical white paper on each provider that I can send you - just send me a PM and I'll get you a copy.
     
    lilpea, Jun 9, 2011
    #3
  4. mjbenteler

    mjbenteler mom2three

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    Same guy on our street. Must say the $60/mo savings (plus NFL Redzone "free") is attractive, but when we had Comcast years ago it was one problem after another. I was assured this would not be an issue this time around. I will even get a name and number of a customer service person, no 800 number. Still...............not sure we should make the jump. Might call Verizon and see if they will make me an offer to stay. oh and was told, by the Xfinity guy, that internet much faster than fios.
    JLC - they won't be digging up yards!
     
    mjbenteler, Jun 9, 2011
    #4
  5. TigerFan

    TigerFan New Member

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    Will I notice a difference in TV picture or internet capabilities?
     
    TigerFan, Jun 10, 2011
    #5
  6. tideland

    tideland Resident Since 1998

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    tideland, Jun 10, 2011
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  7. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    Yes and No. In non-techie speak below;

    Internet:
    FiOS deploys a homogeneous CPE (wireless router) to all their customers, so they are able to "traffic shape/balance" a bit more efficiently than xFinity. Conversely xFinity has a "fatter" pipe and offers a large bandwidth pipe. I would look into your IP routes and Comcast network. FiOS may not have the fattest internet connection, but they "manage" traffic & QoS better.

    Video:
    The difference will be minor on SD and HD(p) programs. Except HD 1080i and I would bet the fiOS picture quality will be near blue-ray quality, while xFinity won't look as crisp.

    Hope the info I emailed you helps.
     
    lilpea, Jun 10, 2011
    #7
  8. lilpea

    lilpea Member

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    lilpea, Jun 10, 2011
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  9. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    It's my understanding that Xfinity/Comcast uses a higher level of compression on their signals, thus the picture quality is degraded accordingly.

    In regards to Internet service, while Xfinity is rolling out fiber, they are still limited to coax to each household. I also believe, but I could be wrong, that they are still affected by the issue of 'shared' pipes per set of homes. So, for example, speeds might be fast during the mid-day hours, but drop considerably once kids return from school and drop again in the evening hours when more folks increase their usage via video streaming, etc. I'm on FiOS and I have not noticed a dramatic fluctuation in my internet speeds depending on time of day. Verizon definitely manages their network much more efficiently than Xfinity/Comcast.

    Keep in mind that Xfinity is simply Comcast with a new name. It's the same infrastructure they had in place before, with some 'fiber upgrades' that their marketing folks can use to even try and even the field with Verizon. Sure they can boast some fast speeds, but read the fine print. In some cases, the max speed is only available for the first 10-20 secs of a download and will drop down to normal speeds afterwards. Remember those old Comcast 'Powerboost' commercials?

    Finally, take a good look at the 'other' things, such as support, channel offerings, etc. One might boast more channels than the other, but are the additional channels really compelling? Do they include the music-only channels as part of their total number? As for support, I have had great responses from Verizon to my issues. When I used to have Comcast years ago, I remember it being a nightmare when having to call them and get anything accomplished. That might have changed today; I can only go on the past experience I've had with them.

    In regards to the picture quality/compression I described above, here are some screenshots that show the noticeable difference in quality between FiOS and Comcast, back in mid-2008. Not sure if it has been improved, but it gives you a good idea of the impact of compression has on a signal:

    http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1008271
     
    Mr. Linux, Jun 10, 2011
    #9
  10. Mr. Linux

    Mr. Linux Senior Member & Moderator Forum Staff

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    Mr. Linux, Jun 10, 2011
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